Optimal Timing of Physical Activity in Cancer Treatment (ACT)

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The number of long-term cancer survivors is growing. As a result, treatment-related morbidity - such as cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, functional decline and fatigue - is impacting quality of life and impairing survival. Metabolic syndrome in the general population is currently treated with lifestyle advice to increase physical activity (PA) and reduce caloric intake. This approach is still underused as standard care for cancer survivors. The aim of this study is investigate whether a tailored PA program that starts early (during curative chemotherapy with cardiovascular toxic potential) is superior in terms of reducing long-term cancer-treatment-related metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular morbidity to a program that starts late (after completion of chemotherapy).

This group will start with a physical activity program 3 months before the end of their chemotherapeutic regimen. After chemotherapy they will continue the PA program for another 3 months.

Other: A tailored physical activity program during chemotherapy

The early group will start the PA program during chemotherapy for 3 months, and after completion of chemotherapy for 3 months (total 6 months). The PA program will consist of two components: improvement of physical fitness and empowerment to adopt a healthy lifestyle. Longitudinal effects of this PA program will be evaluated at 5 time points: before chemotherapy; at start of the PA program and at 3, 6 and 18 months after start of the PA program. Safety parameters will be monitored throughout the study period.

Active Comparator: Physical activity after chemotherapy

This group will start with a physical activity program after the end of their chemotherapeutic regimen. The physical activity program wil take 6 months to complete.

Other: A tailored physical activity program after chemotherapy

The late group will start the PA program after completion of the chemotherapy for 6 months. The PA program will consist of two components: improvement of physical fitness and empowerment to adopt a healthy lifestyle. Longitudinal effects of this PA program will be evaluated at 5 time points: before chemotherapy; at start of the PA program and at 3, 6 and 18 months after start of the PA program. Safety parameters will be monitored throughout the study period.

Difference in VO2 max between the groups after completion of the PA program. [ Time Frame: 1 year ]

The aim of this study is investigate whether a tailored PA program that starts early (during curative chemotherapy with cardiovascular toxic potential) is superior in terms of reducing long-term cancer-treatment-related metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular morbidity to a program that starts late (after completion of chemotherapy).

Secondary Outcome Measures :

Muscle strength [ Time Frame: 1 year ]

change in metabolic and cardiovascular damage parameters [ Time Frame: 1 year ]

cardiovascular risk factors and quality of life including self-efficacy [ Time Frame: 1 year ]

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Ages Eligible for Study:

18 Years to 80 Years (Adult, Senior)

Sexes Eligible for Study:

All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers:

No

Criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

Patients with testicular, early colon or breast cancer with an indication for systemic chemotherapy with a curative intent